Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) has officially stated he does not intend to be secretary of energy, quashing rumors he was in the running for the role.
"That’s not going to happen," Manchin said at a West Virginia town hall Friday, Bloomberg reported.
President Donald Trump had ostensibly considered Manchin for the role, which is currently occupied by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The move would allow West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R.) to appoint a Republican to the Senate seat Manchin currently occupies.
Gov. Justice made headlines earlier this month when he changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.
If Manchin had replaced Perry, the former Texas governor would have in turn filled the position of Secretary of Homeland Security. That position was vacated by Gen. John Kelly earlier this month when he became White House chief of staff.
Manchin, along with Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D, N.D.), were among Democrats Trump considered for cabinet spots back in November.